A basic knot may be enough to connect two pieces of rope to work, but when it comes to boating, you will need to use different types of knots. The type of knot you use depends on what you tie it to and the purpose. For example, you will use one knot to tie an anchor and a different knot to tie a boat. You should also take the situation into account: some knots need to be strong, while others need to come loose quickly and easily.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Make an Anchor Bend
Step 1. Use the anchor bend to secure a rope to an anchor
You can then use the rest of the rope to secure the anchor to your boat. It will be a good idea to add a second knot at the end of the rope to use as a back up in case the rope slips.
Step 2. Wrap the end of the rope once around the anchor circle
Pass the end of the rope through the circle at the top of the anchor. Wrap the string around the circle once to make a loop. The end of the rope should now be next to the rest of the rope.
Keep the string gently wrapped around the circle so that you have a little loop
Step 3. Pull the end of the rope through the rest of the rope
Don't lose the shape of the loop around the circle. Point the end of the string toward the loop.
Step 4. Pass the end of the string through the loop
Pull it with enough force so that the rope that crosses in front of the rest of the rope is tightened.
Step 5. Pull both ends of the rope and tighten the knot as needed
Alternate between pulling the strings and changing the knot until everything is good and tight. Make sure the end of the rope is resting between the anchor circle and the knot itself.
Step 6. Tie a backing knot around both ends of the rope, if desired
Wrap the tail end of the rope in a small loop. Pass the end of the rope through the loop, then pull it to tighten the knot. Repeat this step for the other end of the string, if desired. You don't have to do this, but it will help prevent the rope from accidentally slipping.
Method 2 of 5: Tie a Bowline Knot
Step 1. Use the bowline if you need a strong hold that is easy to untie
The bowline knot also has a loop at the end that you can wrap around a cleat or pole if you need to tie up the boat temporarily. The knot is tightened under pressure, so it will not untie while supporting a load.
Although this knot is safe, do not use it in emergency situations
Step 2. Form the end of the rope into a loop
Place the rope on your palm. Wrap the end of the rope to make an O-shaped loop. Make sure the end of the rope crosses in front of the rest of the rope.
Step 3. Pass the tail end of the rope through the loop
Take the end of the rope and bring it behind the loop. Pass the end through the loop so that you have a second loop right next to it. The second loop should be big enough for your hand to go through.
Step 4. Bring the tail around the string, then pull it through the hole
Bring the tail behind the rope, then pull it down through the first loop you made. Keep the end of the tail under the second loop.
Step 5. Pull the rope to tighten the knot
Hold the rest of the string and pull the end of the tail. You can slide the knot up and down the rope to make the second loop larger or smaller.
Method 3 of 5: Tie a cleat hitch
Step 1. Use a cleat hitch if you need to tie the boat to a floating dock
Cleat hitch is easy to tie and untie. It is also very strong, so you can use it to securely secure most boats.
Use the cleat hitch to tie the strings to the clamps. The clamps are T-shaped
Step 2. Wrap the end of the rope around the base of the clamp
Make a single full wrap around the base of the clamp. The stationary end of the rope should be perpendicular to the clamp. The end you are holding should be parallel to the clamp.
Step 3. Wrap the end of the string around the poles to make a figure eight
Pull the tail end of the rope through the top of the clamp. Wrap it under the first pole, then drag it over the top of the clamp. Wrap it under the second pole.
- Keep the rope between the screws at the top of the clamp.
- If the clamp is large, or if the string will be under a lot of tension, make 2 to 3 more figures in the shape of 8.
Step 4. Pull the end of the string under the top wrap
You will notice that you have a crisscross string across the top of the clamp. Find the top rope and pass the end of the rope under it.
Step 5. Pull the end of the tail to tighten the knot
Make sure the end of the tail is pointing away from the stationary rope.
Method 4 of 5: Tying a clove hitch
Step 1. Use the clove hitch if you need something quick
Although the clove hitch does not hold as well as other knots, it is quick to tie and untie. It is ideal for hanging fenders on the side of your sailboat when you dock.
Be aware that the knot can slip if there is not constant pressure on it. The knot can also come loose if the object to which it is attached rotates
Step 2. Wrap the end of the string once around whatever you tie it
Lay the rope vertically in front of the bar, handle, circle, etc., with the end facing up. Bring the ending behind the bar. Place it under the bar and then go back up.
Step 3. Cross the rope over itself
Lower the rope back behind the bar. This time, make sure it crosses the rope that is already around the bar. If you looked down at the bar, you would see an X shape formed by the rope.
Step 4. Bring the rope in front of the bar and under the last wrap
Pull the rope back under the bar and the front. Tuck it under the top string that forms the X.
Step 5. Pull both ends of the rope to tighten the knot
Pull one end up and the other end down simultaneously. This will move the knot towards the front of the bar and tighten. The knot will remain tight as long as there is constant tension on the rope.
Method 5 of 5: Make an 8 knot
Step 1. Use an 8 knot if you need something strong
The 8 knot has a firm, non-slip loop at the end. It is one of the strongest knots that exist and is ideal for mooring boats.
Step 2. Make a loop near the end of the rope
Measure 24 inches (61 centimeters) from one end of the string, then wrap the string into a loop. The tail should cross in front of the rest of the rope.
Step 3. Wrap the tail behind the rest of the string
Keep the loop in your non-dominant hand. Use your other hand to wrap the end of the tail behind the rest of the string, just below the loop.
Step 4. Thread the end of the tail through the loop, then tighten
Pull the tail up and push it through the loop. Pull the end of the tail up and the rest of the string down to tighten the knot.
Step 5. Use the end of the rope to undo the knot, if desired
If you have enough string scraps, you can use it to undo the knot. Simply weave the tail around the knot, following the rope that is already there. This will make the knot bigger. If you want, you can leave a loop at the bottom to hook onto things.
Advice
- The thickness of the rope you use depends on the job you are using it for. The higher the tension in the string, the thicker and stronger the string should be.
- Do not tie knots in ropes that appear worn or frayed. Even if the knot is pierced, the rope can break, which is just as inconvenient as the knot coming loose.
- You can use these knots in other situations, not just in navigation. Many hikers and climbers also like to use some of these knots.